Thinking of receiving traditional braces near you can be a big decision! You may feel a little anxious or even have a million questions. That is perfectly normal! In fact, your first appointment with an orthodontist is an excellent opportunity to ask any and all questions you want, learn everything you need to know, and feel good about the process. It’s not a scary appointment at all! It will be a conversation with an orthodontist while examining your oral health. Let’s go through it to make sure you know what to expect for your first orthodontic consultation.
Step 1: Paperwork and a Friendly Hello
When you first walk in, you’ll be greeted by some nice staff members and probably given some forms to fill out, which will ask about your medical and dental health history. It’s important to be honest and share any past health problems or dental work you’ve had. This information helps your orthodontist near you understand your overall health and how it might affect your treatment.
Step 2: The Dental Exam
Next, you will meet with the orthodontist, who will also inspect or check your teeth, gums, and jaws. This part is similar to a regular dental check-up, and the orthodontist will be looking for
- Teeth that are crooked or crowded
- Space or gaps between your teeth
- Problems with the bite, like an overbite or underbite, are cases where the top and bottom teeth do not fit together properly
They may take digital x-rays of your teeth and face, too, so don’t worry! These images help them visualize how your teeth and jaw line up and will be referred to later to evaluate progress.
Step 3: X-Rays and Scans
To gather further information, the orthodontist will next take X-rays. X-rays are images that will allow the orthodontist to see things that cannot be viewed with our eyes. In the X-rays, they will see the roots of your teeth and the bone in your jaw. Sometimes, they may take a digital scan of your teeth. The scan will create a 3D model of your mouth that will assist them in planning your treatment. The good news is that none of these steps is painful.
Step 4: The Treatment Plan Discussion
This is the most important part of the consultation, where the Culver City orthodontist will review the exam, photos, and X-rays, and go over with you what they found. If they determine that you need treatment, they will review the best way to fix your teeth and straighten them. This is where your treatment options will be explained. One of the most common options is traditional braces.
Your orthodontist will discuss how traditional braces work, how long you may have to wear them, and what you can expect throughout the entire process. They will also discuss other options that may fit your needs. For example, clear aligners.
To help you understand the distinctions between the types of braces, we’ve put together this simple table
|
Type of Braces |
How They Work |
What They Look Like |
|
Traditional Braces |
Metal brackets are glued to your teeth and connected with a wire. |
Small metal squares on the front of your teeth. |
|
Clear Braces |
Like traditional braces, but the brackets are clear or tooth-colored. |
Less noticeable than metal braces. |
|
Lingual Braces |
Metal brackets are placed on the back of your teeth. |
Invisible from the outside. |
Step 5: Talking about the Cost
Once you and your orthodontist agree on a treatment plan, the team will discuss cost. They will inform you of the cost of your treatment and what your insurance plan covers. They may even provide options for payment plans to help you afford your new smile! This is also an important time to ask any questions regarding the payment part of the process, so you feel really good about your decision.
Step 6: Next Steps
On the last visit, you will know more about what happens next. You will not get braces the same day as your first consultation; this visit was strictly for planning your journey. The office will arrange for you to come back during a new appointment for your braces fitting once completed. The office will provide time for you to ask any last questions that you might have.
Find an Orthodontist Near You
Your first visit is the beginning of an amazing journey toward a healthy, beautiful smile. It is a chance to meet the team and learn all about your options. The goal is for you to leave feeling excited and confident about your future smile. If you’re ready to take the first step, it’s a great time to search for traditional braces in Culver City for your specific oral needs.
Improve Your Bite and Smile With Braces!
Coco Lane Orthodontics helps patients of all ages achieve a beautiful, healthy, straight smile. Our experienced orthodontist in Culver City uses safe and effective methods to treat issues such as tooth alignment issues, bite abnormalities, crowding and more. We emphasize comfort, effective treatment, and clear direction for every step for our patients. Book your consultation with our orthodontist at Coco Lane Orthodontics now!
